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Hi all, I have NO clue about all these components
I need something comfortable to commute around campus and to the hospital (nurse), smooth ride handles/absorbs bumps on the road, good acceleration. I don't have finesse. I'm kind of reckless, which I hope will fade with experience. So I need something tough and durable. Any advice, opinions would be mucho appreciated.
T H A N X

The Giant is geared higher than the C-Dale, so if you're a newbie, out of shape, and/or live somewhere really hilly you'll appreciate the C-Dale's gearing more. The C-Dale probably has tougher wheels too.

Either one will be plenty serviceable. Test ride them both and see which feels better. If you still can't make up your mind, pick the one with the better color.

While halfspeed's comment about the color seems flip, it really is the most significant difference after the gearing, wheels and tires. Everything else is comparable. I'd just add the dealer's reputaion and how you feel abut them to the mix. The bikes are a coin toss.